Description
This Hobo Casserole Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then layered with thinly sliced potatoes and seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika. Topped with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, the casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, delivering a satisfying one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, infusing the beef mixture with flavor.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on top of the beef. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the potato layer. Pour beef broth or water around the edges of the casserole to maintain moisture during baking. Optionally, drizzle milk over the top to add extra creaminess.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This covered baking steams the potatoes gently to tenderize them.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender, and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, adding texture and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your casserole with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- Using beef broth instead of water adds more flavor to the casserole.
- Thinly slicing potatoes ensures they cook evenly and become tender within the baking time.
- Covering the casserole during the first part of baking traps steam to cook the potatoes thoroughly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
